Queensland Parliament Inquiry

The Queensland parliament is considering euthanasia legislation and your voice is needed now more than ever.

A parliamentary inquiry is asking the question:

“Should voluntary assisted dying be legalized in Queensland?”

We have until 15 April 2019 to answer.

The government has released an issues paper that clearly indicates that the euthanasia regime being considered is broad, possibly including euthanasia for:

people of any age

those not suffering from a terminal illness and possibly not even a physical illness

individuals without access to counselling services

The far-reaching, devastating consequences of legalizing assisted suicide on the vulnerable in our communities are unthinkable.

But you can make a difference.

Use the form below to tell the members of the parliamentary inquiry why legalizing euthanasia would be a dangerous idea for Queensland.

Your submission doesn’t have to be long.

Just a couple of sentences is enough to register your opposition to legalizing euthanasia.

The key is to use your own words.

Some points to consider for your submission:

Prohibition on doctors killing patients is a longstanding rule. The World Medical Association and Australian Medical Association oppose euthanasia on the basis that it undermines the doctor/patient relationship of trust.

Governments have a fundamental responsibility to legislate to protect vulnerable citizens. Coercion cannot be outlawed – whether overt or implied, when euthanasia is an option people are made to feel they are a burden (including people with disabilities who already feel a need to justify their existence.)

It is dangerous to legalise euthanasia when palliative care is underfunded.

Overseas jurisdictions that have legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide have seen the categories of people to whom euthanasia is applied expand.

Suicide contagion is a real risk when governments convey the message that some suicides are considered ‘good’. Legalizing euthanasia undermines suicide prevention messages.